Q & A

Concrete contractors pave driveways, build foundations for homes, install retaining walls, create hardscaping for front and back yards, build concrete steps, and so much more. When searching for a driveway contractor, read reviews from previous customers and ask for referrals. Ask the contractor for photos of examples of their work that’s similar to what you want. Confirm they will get the proper permits so your driveway is up to code. Hiring a driveway contractor to install concrete can average $5-$6 per square foot, or more, depending on where you live, the slope and grade of the driveway site, and regional labor costs. For a new asphalt driveway, the cost could average from $3-5 per square foot. A standard concrete driveway of 500 square feet averaging $5-$6 per square foot would cost $2,500-$3,000 — so it pays to research someone who will do quality work. Excavation and grading work can increase your cost per square foot significantly. Ask whether the contractor provides a materials and labor warranty for their work. Some cracking of the concrete may occur as it settles, but you should talk with your contractor about any structural or aesthetic concerns you have. When hiring a concrete contractor, check out our tips for smart hiring on Thumbtack.

Hardwood floor installation can take anywhere from a few days to more than two weeks, depending on demolition, wood type, the condition of your subfloor, total square footage of the project, and installation method. Demolition is necessary if you have existing flooring you want to replace with hardwood floors. New-construction homes do not require this step, as the subfloor is primed and ready for floor installation. During demolition, the flooring crew may find that your subfloor has damaged wood, uneven surfaces or other problems that must be addressed before the new wood can be laid down. Crews may charge on an hourly rate for subfloor repair, and the work can take a few hours to several days, depending on what’s hiding underneath your floor. The wood for your new floor generally arrives a few days before any work begins. This allows the wood to acclimate to the relative humidity in your house, which prevents it from shrinking or expanding after installation and causing gaps or buckling. The actual wood installation may take several days or more, depending on the size of your home and what type of custom cutting and designs are desired. If your flooring is not prefinished, the unfinished wood must then be sanded and stained in the home to treat and protect your new investment. Typically, stain takes a full day to dry, and multiple coats are applied. Baseboards and trim must also be installed. With all these variables at play, you can see why it’s important for a wood installation pro to provide an estimate only after seeing your home.

Paving contractors can be hired to install a concrete or asphalt driveway at your home, office or property. They can also repave an asphalt or concrete driveway that has been damaged by time, weather or heavy loads. When you are looking for a driveway contractor, request quotes from at least three professionals who are in good standing and have great customer reviews. They should do a site visit and write you a bid, detailing the work involved, materials needed, approximate length of the project and estimated cost.

The site for your new driveway will determine costs and the work required for your contractor. First, the ground must be excavated to lay a clear path. This means removing any trees, bushes and stumps. Next, the driveway contractor will grade the area, making a level surface for the concrete or asphalt. To ensure proper drainage, driveway contractors should install a sub-base of compacted gravel (or similar) 4 inches-8 inches deep, depending on your soil type. Then the concrete or asphalt may be poured and smoothed over the top. Your driveway contractor should recommend an appropriate sealant for your climate and advise you on curing time. When hiring a paving contractor, check out our tips for smart hiring on Thumbtack.

Replacing or renovating a damaged or time-worn asphalt or concrete driveway can boost your curb appeal and add to your home value. If your concrete driveway is nearing 20 years or more, it may be wise to invest in an entirely new driveway, instead of redoing your current one. Asphalt driveways average 15-20 years of life, so if you start needing major repairs around the 15 year mark, weigh the pros and cons of repairing or replacing it. Request bids from two to three driveway contractors to determine pricing and project scope, and check out our tips for smart hiring on Thumbtack. Here are some examples of average costs:

The national average cost to hire a concrete specialist is $2,750, but that price can vary greatly depending on the work needed to repair and resurface your concrete driveway, the square footage of the project, current costs of concrete, and regional labor rates.

The cost of hardwood floors will depend primarily on the total square footage of flooring, the type of wood you select, the cost of labor in your region, and any preparation or repair work that needs to take place before installation. Selecting exotic woods, such as teak, will result in a higher cost for the project than a more affordable wood such as oak. The national average cost of hardwood floor installation is $5,750. Here are some examples of different woods and their average costs; actual costs will vary depending on the factors listed above.